Last.fm Cuts Artists in on Ad Revenue

Bands and labels that register (or already registered) will start accruing money into Last.fm accounts whenever their music is streamed from the site as of today [7/9/08]. The company already pays artists through rights organizations, including SoundExchange, but this new plan allows artists to receive direct payment for their music being streamed without joining …

As Wired notes, some bands are embracing an aggregate model that pulls in multiple revenue streams from a variety of sources — concerts, merchandise, album sales, licensing, etc. A program like Last.fm’s rev share won’t replace past royalties (those are dwindling or already gone), but it could contribute to a multi-pronged, diversified income.

Writers can employ similar strategies by mixing revenue from traditional outlets (books, columns, teaching, conferences) with ad and affiliate income via blogs and podcasts.